Enzymes and Amino Acids are the masters of our biological functions. We
all know that protein is the "building block" of the body. Protein is made up of
specific chains of Amino Acids. Amino Acids supply the structure and energy
supply of our cells.

We break down protein into Amino Acids during digestion, and then
restructure them into new proteins. Each type of protein serves a specific
function or process in the body.

One of those types of proteins is Enzymes. Enzymes carry out all of the
chemical reactions, the work, within our cells. They serve as a catalyst to
speed up cell function.

There are two types of enzymes within the body: digestive and
metabolic. There are also enzymes that are naturally occurring in food such as
Betaine, Bromelain, and Cellulase. Metabolic Enzymes play a large role in energy
production, toxin removal, metabolism, thyroid and hormone function, and brain
and nervous system function. Without them, we don't function.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive Enzymes break down the food we eat into nutrients or waste.
The nutrients pass into our blood stream and are used or stored by our body.
The waste is filtered and removed or excreted. Without digestive enzymes
we would have no way of assimilating the food we eat.

In fact, we would not be able to break down the protein into the amino
acids that would then create enzymes for digestion. See the pattern? One
relies on the other in order to keep our own cycle of life going. Breakdown
and Rebuild.

Deficiencies of Digestive enzymes are usually gastrointestinal in nature: gas,
bloating, and general digestive dysfunction.

Protein is made up of different chains of Amino Acids. It is literally the
chemical composition of meat and proteins. If the animal source is fed
genetically modified food, antibiotics, hormones, or otherwise, the composition
of these amino acids changes. Often to our detriment.

Protein is broken down into amino acids during digestion and used to
repair and rebuild protein in our bodies. We literally are what we eat.
Deficiencies in amino acids can cause serious health problems. Too much
protein results in too much nitrogen and stresses the kidneys.

So what do Amino Acids do in our bodies? They serve several functions such
as providing an energy source. Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) make up the
majority of the rebuilding and structure of our bodies. Probably the most
important role of Amino Acids is in the creation of enzymes and
hormones.

There is much debate about whether there are 20 or 22 Amino Acids. Two
have not been "identified" yet. Within those, there is debate as to how many
are essential and how many are non-essential. I find they are most commonly
split down the middle. It's pretty simple.

Essential= Cannot be synthesized by humans. Must come from food.

Non-Essential= Can be synthesized in the presence of specific Essential
Amino Acids.

Deficiencies in Amino Acids usually affect thyroid function and the production
of serotonin creating problems with sleep, mood, depression, insomnia,
sensitivity to pain, and aggressive behavior.